Prize-winning authors deliver fabulous books for preteens

Choosing gifts for middle-grade children can be tricky. They are too old for picture books, yet many young adult chapter books include situations and subjects unsuitable for 9-to-12-year-olds. Happily, this holiday season there are two wonderfully appealing books for this age group.

'Wonderstruck' and 'The Flint Heart'

With “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” author/illustrator and Caldecott medal winner Brian Selznick perfected a literary art form in children’s books, one in which the illustrations move the story forward on their own. The book was wildly successful, and now the Martin Scorsese film version, “Hugo,” adds another dimension to the compelling tale.

In his new book, “Wonderstruck,” (Scholastic Press, $29.99, ages 9 and up) Selznick uses the same format but approaches the story differently: One character’s adventures are presented almost entirely in text, while a second narrative, featuring a different character, place, and time is presented solely in hauntingly beautiful pencil drawings. Near the end, the two stories intertwine for a dazzling conclusion.

Selznick’s text follows a 1970s Minnesota boy who hunts for his father; the visual narrative focuses on a 1920s girl from New Jersey who seeks a connection with her mother. The reader is treated to the thrill of two mysteries, which intersect in an unexpected and completely satisfying fashion.

Selznick’s poignant chronicle engages emotionally, sustained by the appeal of two charming characters. His primary themes are those of love and family, but he also touches on other important subjects: the power of books; the silent but rich lives of people who are hearing impaired; the impulse to collect; and the idea of curating one’s own life along with objects. This is a book to be shared across generations.

••••••••

“The Flint Heart,” (Candlewick Press, $19.99, ages 9-11) co-authored by Newbery medal winner Katherine Paterson and her husband, John Paterson, is a retelling of Eden Phillpott’s 1910 fantasy. Set in England, the story moves from the Stone Age to the early 20th century. It offers the richness of an old-fashioned fairy tale, with a brother, sister, and family dog who share adventures that involve pixies, good magic and the evil spell of the Flint Heart. Clever word play and literary references, proverbs, poetry, and bits of useful advice are woven in seamlessly, making the story smart and great fun. And John Rocco’s intriguingly atmospheric illustrations feel just right.